16th September, 17, USTM: University of
Science and Technology Meghalaya hosted the
second Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam Memorial Lecture
today at Techno City Campus. The lecture was
delivered by Dr. B S Tomar, Director,
Radiochemistry and Isotope Group, Bhaba Atomic
Research Centre on “Atoms in the Service
of Mankind”, in the presence of other
dignitaries namely Shri Mahbubul Hoque,
Chancellor, USTM, Dr. R K Sharma, Pro VC, USTM
and Prof. Amarjyoti Chaudhury, C V Raman Chair
Professor, USTM, Dr. T. R. Ganapathi, Head,
Plant Cell Culture Technology Section, BARC.
Worthwhile to mention, the University of Science
and Technology Meghalaya has initiated this
memorial lecture not just to pay homage to Dr.
Kalam but to re-enkindle the memory of Dr.
Kalam's visit to USTM to the students of USTM
and also to dedicate ourselves to achieve the
goals and objectives that Dr. Kalam had set
before us, his Vision 2020 ; " Freedom,
development and stand-up to the world". It is
believeed that this memorial lecture would be a
stepping stone in creating awareness, bonhomie
amongst the people of North East and the
scientific fraternity as a whole.
Prof. B S Tomar in his speech delineated how
atoms are used for the development of the
society and how it can be used for different
purposes starting from the discovery of
radioactive elements and their isotopes to their
applications at the ground level. He had cited
several examples of different initiatives taken
up by BARC such as leak detection in gas
pipelines, increase of soil quality and
nutrition in crops, how radioisotope can be used
for cancer treatment that can heal damage cells
and kill bacteria, for food preservation, health
care etc. While interacting with the students of
USTM in the question hour, Dr. Tomar once again
emphasized that in order to take science to the
ground level, pro-active collaboration between
research organizations, all state councils of
science and technology and academic institutions
and universities like USTM is the dire need of
the time. Hence he urged the students of USTM to
come forward more and more and take up science
as their career option.
Shri Mahbubul Hoque, Chancellor, USTM during his
address reminded the audience that Dr. Kalam had
visited USTM in the year 2014 on the occasion of
North East College Principals’ Conclave. During
the event Dr. Kalam had encouraged USTM students
to be on the path of innovation and excellence
and how science can be used for the benefit of
mankind. “I request all my dear students that
the outcome of this lecture should be realized
in producing innovative scientists from this
university and we must carry forward Dr. Kalam’s
legacy” added Shri M Hoque.